Optical workstation

Abstract

An optical workstation comprising an optical breadboard supported by a frame, the frame comprising a plurality of upstanding legs interconnected by laterally extending cross-beams, the cross-beams defining a space into which the optical breadboard is received and laterally enclosed. By laterally enclosing the optical breadboard with the cross-beam frame elements, side protection for the optical breadboard is provided, thus protecting it from lateral impacts against which conventional damping mounts are not effective. In addition, since the cross-beams are part of the frame structure, they provide a stable and rigid platform for mounting optical and other components at the very edge of the workstation outside the optical breadboard area. Anchor points in the cross-beams are provided for this purpose. Incorporation of the cross-beams into the frame structure also provides an enhanced level of structural rigidity which allows the frame to be made of aluminum rather than steel to provide a much lighter, more maneuverable product.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An optical workstation comprising an optical breadboard supported by a frame, the frame comprising a plurality of upstanding legs interconnected by laterally extending cross-beams, the cross-beams laterally enclosing a space into which the optical breadboard is received. 
     
     
       2. The optical workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is at least partially aluminum. 
     
     
       3. The optical workstation of  claim 2 , wherein the legs are aluminum. 
     
     
       4. The optical workstation of  claim 2 , wherein the cross-beams are aluminum. 
     
     
       5. The optical workstation of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cross-beams comprises a line or array of regularly spaced anchor points for mounting components. 
     
     
       6. The optical workstation of  claim 5 , wherein the anchor points comprise spigot holes. 
     
     
       7. The optical workstation of  claim 5 , wherein the anchor points comprise threaded holes. 
     
     
       8. The optical workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the optical breadboard is mounted to the frame by damping units. 
     
     
       9. The optical workstation of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises first and second end units, and laterally extending cross-beams interconnecting the first and second end units, the first and second end units each comprising two legs and laterally extending upper and lower cross-beams.